The St. Cloud, Minnesota racing community is mourning the loss of two of its most respected figures following the deaths of Hall of Fame drivers Jeff Hinkemeyer and Jim Johnson. The announcement, shared by Viking Speedway on Sunday, April 26, 2026, has left fans, fellow racers, and families reflecting on decades of dedication, competition, and community impact.
According to statements from Viking Speedway, Jim Johnson, a 2003 Hall of Fame inductee, passed away earlier in the week. Shortly thereafter, news emerged that Jeff Hinkemeyer, a 2013 Hall of Fame inductee, had also died. The back-to-back losses have marked what many are calling a deeply difficult moment for the local racing world.
Jeff Hinkemeyer was widely recognized for his contributions to dirt track racing and his lasting presence at Viking Speedway. Known for his skill behind the wheel and his commitment to the sport, Hinkemeyer earned the respect of competitors and fans alike over the course of his career. His induction into the Speedway’s Hall of Fame in 2013 cemented his legacy as one of the track’s standout figures.
Jim Johnson, inducted a decade earlier in 2003, was similarly regarded as a cornerstone of the racing community. His career and influence helped shape the competitive spirit and tradition that define Viking Speedway today. Together, both men represented generations of racing excellence and sportsmanship.
Officials have not released the causes of death for either Hinkemeyer or Johnson. However, tributes from the racing community continue to pour in, highlighting not only their achievements on the track but also their roles as mentors, friends, and ambassadors of the sport.
Viking Speedway acknowledged the emotional toll of the losses in its announcement, describing the past week as especially challenging for the organization and its extended racing family. Messages of support have been directed toward the families of both men as they navigate this period of grief.
Plans are underway to honor Jim Johnson with a tribute at the Speedway in the coming days. Additional details regarding a memorial for Jeff Hinkemeyer are expected to be announced soon.
For many in St. Cloud and beyond, the deaths of these two Hall of Famers represent more than the loss of accomplished drivers—they mark the passing of individuals who helped define a community built around passion for racing.
Jeff Hinkemeyer and Jim Johnson are remembered not only for their accomplishments on the track, but for the legacy they leave behind in the sport and in the lives of those who knew them.
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